The European Parliament supported a document, which provides the increase of sanctions against Russia in case the Ukrainian captured sailors are not released. Reporter of Radio Liberty Rikard Jozwiak claimed this on Twitter.
‘A European Parliament report calling on more EU sanctions on Russia if the Ukrainian servicemen captured on 25 Nov are not released has been passed. 433 in favor, 105 against, 30 abstentions,’ reads the message.
a European Parliament report calling on more EU sanctions on #Russia if the Ukrainian servicemen captured on 25 Nov are not released has been passed. 433 in favour, 105 against, 30 abstentions . #Ukraine #Crimea #Azov #KerchStrait
— Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) December 12, 2018
The European sanctions against Russia were imposed on July 31, 2014, as the response to the annexation of Crimea. The sanctions, including the aggression in Donbas, are strengthened and extended from time to time.
The European Parliament urged to extend the sanctions due to the suppressions in the occupied Crimea in October 2017. Moreover, the MPs planned to urge the European Council to extend the targeted sanctions and impose the visa ban on those responsible for the illegal activity in Crimea.
In addition, the Council of the European Union prolonged sanctions against Russia for the illegal annexation of Crimea until June 23, 2019.